U.S. patent application number 12/577954 was filed with the patent office on 2010-01-28 for wrist support device.
Invention is credited to Aurelia Koby, Ian MacMorran.
Application Number | 20100022930 12/577954 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38862485 |
Filed Date | 2010-01-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100022930 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Koby; Aurelia ; et
al. |
January 28, 2010 |
WRIST SUPPORT DEVICE
Abstract
A wrist support sleeve is adapted to extend over a wearer's hand
and wrist from a location below the ends of the fingers tip to a
position just past the wrist region. The sleeve has an opening for
receiving the wearer's thumb. A first portion of the sleeve extends
around the lower part and opposite sides of a wearer's hand and
wrist and has spaced side edges located in an upper region of the
sleeve. An insert panel of a different material to the first sleeve
portion is secured between spaced side edges of the first portion,
so as to extend across the tipper portion of a wearer's hand and
wrist when the device is worn. The insert panel material is a
strong elastic material which has a higher stiffness than the rest
of the sleeve.
Inventors: |
Koby; Aurelia; (San Diego,
CA) ; MacMorran; Ian; (San Diego, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LOZA & LOZA LLP
305 N. SECOND AVENUE, #127
UPLAND
CA
91786-6064
US
|
Family ID: |
38862485 |
Appl. No.: |
12/577954 |
Filed: |
October 13, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11424683 |
Jun 16, 2006 |
|
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12577954 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
602/21 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 13/088 20130101;
Y10S 2/91 20130101; A61F 5/0118 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
602/21 |
International
Class: |
A61F 5/00 20060101
A61F005/00 |
Claims
1. A wrist support device, comprising: a sleeve having opposite
open ends substantially equal in circumference and adapted to
extend over a wearer's hand and wrist from a location below the
knuckles of the wearer's hand to a position past the wrist region,
the sleeve having an opening for receiving the wearer's thumb, the
sleeve adapted to extend over index, middle, ring and little
fingers of the wearer's hand simultaneously without any additional
support for openings corresponding to each finger; the sleeve
having a first portion for extending around a lower part and
opposite sides of the wearer's hand and having spaced side edges
located in an upper region of the sleeve, and a second portion
comprising a single-layer insert panel secured between spaced side
edges of the first portion wherein the insert panel is integral
with and in the same plane as the first portion, the insert panel
being adapted to extend across the upper portion of a wearer's hand
and wrist when the device is worn; the first portion of the sleeve
being formed of a first material and the insert panel being formed
of a second material different from the first material, the first
material comprising a stretchable fabric material, and the second
material comprising a strong elastic material which has a higher
stiffness than the first material.
2. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second material
comprises a mixture of fabric and natural or synthetic rubber
material.
3. The device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the second material
comprises a mixture of approximately 70% polyester and 30%
synthetic rubber.
4. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first material is
a washable fabric.
5. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first material is
a mixture of cotton and stretch fiber material.
6. The device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a moldable
cushioning pad mounted in the lower portion of the sleeve at a
location that will be beneath the wearer's wrist when the device is
worn.
7. The device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the pad comprises a
pocket formed integrally within said sleeve and filled with a
plurality of beads.
8. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the length of the
sleeve is in the range from approximately 3.5 to 5 inches (about 9
to 13 cm).
9. The device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a thumb
receiving sleeve extending from the thumb opening.
10. The device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the thumb receiving
sleeve has a second insert panel of the same material as the second
material, the second insert panel extending across the top of a
wearer's thumb when wearing the device.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to a wrist support device for
supporting a wearer's wrist in a comfortable position while using a
keyboard, laptop computer, personal digital assistant or the
like.
[0002] Repetitive motion injuries are a common problem among
workers who perform repetitive tasks generally, and among typists
and computer users in particular. One common injury which can
result from excessive keyboard use is carpal tunnel syndrome. Other
possible injuries include tendonitis. Arthritis can also make
keyboard use difficult. U.S. Pat. No. 6,213,969 of MacMorran et al.
describes a wrist support device to alleviate these problems and
support the wrist to reduce pain and discomfort when using a
keyboard. This device comprises an elongate sleeve with open ends
for engaging over a wearer's wrist and the palm of their hand, with
a thumb opening on one side. The sleeve is of resiliently
stretchable material, and a removable splint of semi rigid material
is inserted in a pocket extending along the top of the sleeve,
across the wearer's wrist and the back of their hand to provide
support. A bead-filled wrist pad is provided in the lower part of
the sleeve. The user's wrist will rest on the wrist pad while the
keyboard is used, raising the wrist to an ergonomically correct
position and cushioning the wrist from the hard surface on which
the keyboard rests.
[0003] Although the known wrist support device described above is
helpful for those who already have some wrist pain or have injuries
such as carpal tunnel syndrome, it maybe too constraining for other
individuals.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide a new
and improved wrist support device suitable for more universal use,
making keyboard and laptop computer use more comfortable by
protecting the wrist from lap top heat and providing cushioning
under the surface of the wrist and protecting the sensitive
pisiform bone.
[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, a wrist
support device is provided, which comprises a sleeve of a first,
resiliently stretchable material having opposite open ends and
adapted to extend over a user's hand and wrist from a location
below the ends of the fingers up to a position past the wrist, the
sleeve having an opening for receiving the wearer's thumb, the
sleeve being reversible for wear on the user's left or right hand,
the sleeve having an upper portion for extending across the top of
the wearer's hand and wrist, the upper portion having an insert
panel of a second material extending between the opposite open ends
of the device, the second material comprising a strong elastic
material which is stiffer than the first material.
[0006] The second insert panel material may contain a predetermined
amount of rubber to provide the desired stiffness and support, and
in an exemplary embodiment of the invention this material is 70%
polyester and 30% synthetic rubber. The remainder of the sleeve is
made of a washable fabric such as a mixture of cotton and stretch
fiber material, for example Lycra.RTM.. The stiff elastic panel
extending over the top of the hand and wrist provides support while
still being relatively flexible for comfort.
[0007] A bead-filled, moldable pad is mounted in the lower portion
of the sleeve at a location that will be beneath the wearer's wrist
when the device is worn. This will support the wrist in a
comfortable position while using a keyboard, mouse, laptop computer
or the like. The length of the sleeve is less than that of the
sleeve with a built-in brace as described in U.S. Pat. No.
6,213,969 and the end of the sleeve adjacent the wrist will
typically be located in a similar position to a standard glove.
This gives the wearer more mobility while wearing the device and is
less constraining. The length of the sleeve may be of the order of
3.5 to 5 inches or about 9 to 13 cm.
[0008] In one embodiment of the invention, a thumb receiving
support or sleeve may extend from the thumb opening. The thumb
sleeve will be of the same fabric material as the main sleeve, and
may also have an insert panel of the stiffer, rubberized material
extending over the top of the thumb. This will be helpful when
using devices controlled by the thumb, such as a personal digital
assistant or PDA.
[0009] The wrist support device of this invention is more of a
protective, comfort device for the average user than a therapeutic
device for users already experiencing wrist discomfort. The device
is shorter than the prior art wrist support to give more mobility,
and the elasticated insert panel provides some support across the
wrist while being less restrictive than the semi-rigid brace of the
prior art device. This device will be particularly useful for wear
while traveling, for example when using a laptop computer on an
airplane where there is limited space for supporting the wrist and
the device provides a stationary wrist rest for the keyboard and
mouse.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The present invention will be better understood from the
following detailed description of some exemplary embodiments of the
invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in
which like reference numerals refer to like parts, and in
which:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the wrist support device
according to a first embodiment of the invention being worn by a
user on their right hand while operating a keyboard;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the wrist support device
alone, showing the device turned inside out to be worn on a user's
left hand;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the wrist support device;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a cross section on the lines 4-4 of FIG. 3,
illustrating the device being worn; and
[0015] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a wrist support device
according to a second embodiment of the invention being worn by a
user.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIGS. 1 to 4 illustrate a wrist support device 2 according
to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 1 and 4
illustrate the device 2 being worn over a user's hand 4 and wrist
6. The wrist support device basically comprises a sleeve 8 having
opposite open ends 10 and 12 and a thumb opening 14 on one side
through which the wearer's thumb 16 extends.
[0017] A first portion of the sleeve extends around the lower part
and sides of the sleeve and is of a stretchable fabric material
such as a cotton/Lycra.RTM. mixture. A second portion or panel 15
of a stiff elastic material different from the material of the
first portion of the sleeve is secured between opposite side edges
28 of the first portion, as best illustrated in FIG. 3. The panel
15 extends along the upper portion of the sleeve between the
opposite ends of the sleeve, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 4. In an
exemplary embodiment of the invention, the insert panel is a
mixture of 70% polyester and 30% synthetic rubber. The insert panel
is of a much stiffer elastic material than the remainder of the
sleeve, and provides support across the top of the wearer's hand
and wrist. This will be more comfortable than the rigid or semi
rigid brace of some prior art devices by protecting the wrist from
lap top heat and providing cushioning under the surface of the
wrist and protecting the sensitive pisiform bone.
[0018] The opposite open ends and thumb opening of the sleeve may
be banded by sewn collars 16, 18 and 20, respectively. The stiff
elastic panel 15 is a single layer while the remainder of the
sleeve may comprise a double layer, with the elastic panel suitably
sewn to the remainder of the sleeve along its opposite side edges
28. As best illustrated in FIG. 4, a moldable pad 22 is attached to
a lower portion of the sleeve at a location which is beneath the
lower part of the wearer's palm and the wearer's wrist when the
device is worn. The pad 22 may be located between the two layers of
the sleeve as indicated. The pad is of rounded, cushion-like shape
and may comprise an outer pocket or envelope formed integrally
within the sleeve and containing a suitable padding material such
as foam padding, a filling of small, tightly packed pellets or
beads 24, or a gel pack.
[0019] The beads 24 filling the moldable pad 22 in the exemplary
embodiment of the invention may be formed of plastic material such
as low density polyethylene (LDPE) and may be injection molded or
extrusion type LDPE particles or pellets. The beads are rounded and
free of sharp edges, with a smooth surface which enables the beads
to slide smoothly against one another. The beads' surface may be
polished to enhance smoothness, and may be coated with a
lubricating material and/or a mold suppressant such as an amide.
The beads provide a pad which is easily deformable and moldable to
the desired position, providing a cushioning effect against any
hard surfaces on which the user's wrist would otherwise rest.
[0020] When the user wears the wrist support device 2 as
illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4, it can be seen that the moldable pad
will provide a cushion for the wearer's wrist and lower palm area
as they use a keyboard 30. The keyboard may be part of a laptop or
a desktop computer. The wrist support device will also be useful
when operating other digital devices such as hand held personal
digital assistants. The device 2 is reversible as indicated in FIG.
2, so that it can be turned inside out for wearing on a user's left
wrist, and the user can use two wrist support devices, one on each
hand.
[0021] In an exemplary embodiment, the sleeve length may be in the
range from about 3.5 to 5 inches, or around 9 to 13 cm. Since the
sleeve 8 is relatively short and does not extend far beyond the
wearer's wrist, the user will retain flexibility and mobility while
wearing the device. At the same time, the stiffer elastic insert
panel 15 which extends across the top of the hand and wrist will
provide support and help to keep the wrist in the optimal ergonomic
position while operating a keypad or keyboard. This device will be
particularly useful and comfortable for wear when using portable
electronic devices while traveling, for example when using a laptop
computer on an airplane where there is limited space for supporting
the wrist and the device provides a stationary wrist rest for the
keyboard and mouse.
[0022] FIG. 5 illustrates a modification to the device of FIGS. 1
to 4, in which a thumb support sleeve 32 extends from the thumb
opening 14. This device is otherwise identical to the device of the
previous embodiment, and like reference numerals have been used for
like parts as appropriate. The thumb support sleeve 32 may be made
entirely of the same material as the majority of the main sleeve 8,
or it may also have an insert panel of stiffer elastic material
(not illustrated) extending over the top of the thumb for providing
more support to the thumb. The panel material in this case will be
the same as the material of panel 15. The thumb support sleeve will
provide thumb support when operating devices which require thumb
actuation, such as personal digital assistants (PDAs) and other
handheld devices, games and gaming devices, and the like, while the
remainder of the device will help to support the wrist in a
comfortable, ergonomic position.
[0023] The wrist support device of this invention is less
constraining than prior art devices which were longer and extended
farther up the arm from the wrist, and which had rigid or
semi-rigid brace members extending across the top of the hand and
wrist, as in our prior U.S. Pat. No. 6,213,969 referenced above.
Such prior art devices are designed more for people who have
already suffered wrist injury or who have pain in the wrist or hand
from other conditions. The device of this invention is designed for
more universal use by anybody using a keypad or keyboard over an
extended period of time. The wrist support device is generally
shorter in length, terminating just past the wrist region, and has
no rigid or semi rigid brace member, but instead has a panel of
stiff elastic material for support and comfort. The device is
reversible for use on either hand and will be particularly useful
when traveling or using portable electronic devices in areas where
there is only limited space. The device will both cushion the wrist
and lower palm region and provide support across the top of the
wrist so as to help maintain a proper ergonomic wrist position.
This may help to prevent repetitive motion injuries as well as
cushioning and protecting the wrist from hard surfaces and laptop
computer heat.
[0024] Although some exemplary embodiments of the invention have
been described above by way of example only, it will be understood
by those skilled in the field that modifications may be made to the
disclosed embodiments without departing from the scope of the
invention, which is defined by the appended claims.
* * * * *